Every November, Peekskill neighbors lace up their sneakers, strap turkeys into strollers and backpacks, and head through the heart of downtown. They aren’t chasing a record time. They’re racing to feed a family down the street.
Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) invites runners, walkers, families, and anyone in a festive costume to its annual Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 21 starting on North Division Street in downtown Peekskill.
There’s no registration fee. Instead, each participant brings a frozen turkey, chicken, or ham to donate to Fred’s Pantry. The weeks before Thanksgiving are some of the pantry’s busiest of the year, and every donation goes directly to a Peekskill household facing food insecurity. Each turkey, chicken, or ham is paired with a grocery bag full of holiday staples, so families go home with a complete Thanksgiving meal, not just the centerpiece.
“The Turkey Trot is one of our favorite days of the year, but it’s also one of our most necessary,” said Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday. When our neighbors show up with a turkey in hand, they’re making sure another family sits down to a full table.”
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:00 AM – Registration and check-in
8:45 AM – Welcome and brief remarks
9:00 AM – Race begins
The under a mile course is open to all ages and paces, and festive attire is strongly encouraged! Awards will be given for Best Costume, Funniest Costume, Most Enthusiastic Team, and Fastest Trotter, along with a special prize for the Finish Line Finale trotter, the last participant across the line. At the Turkey Trot, it’s not about finishing first. It’s about showing up for your community.
To register, visit www.chhop.org/turkey-trot. Businesses interested in sponsoring the Turkey Trot can contact Michelle Rimland at mrimland@liftingupwestchester.org.
